Oral Health Team

Dental practices are now able to offer face to face appointments, in the case of a dental emergency families should contact their own dentist in the first instance or call the NHS 111 helpline, or use the NHS 111 online service. 

The Oral Health Team are offering phone support for families who would like advice about dental issues and how to access further help.

To access support from LEAP’s Oral Health Team you can call 07746979503 between 9am to 4pm or email Claire.benzies1@nhs.net 

Having healthy teeth is an important part of general wellbeing. When children have poor oral health, it can affect their ability to sleep, eat, speak and play.  Poor oral health can also mean that children may have to take time off nursery or school because they are in pain or in need of dental treatment. 

Tooth decay is the most common disease affecting children.  By five years old, nearly a quarter of children have tooth decay, with an average of three teeth affected. Tooth decay is also the most common reason for hospital admission for children aged five to nine years old. 

The Oral Health team aims to provide advice and information to parents and carers on tooth brushing tips, appropriate toothpaste (such as fluoride content), how to find a dentist, and healthier options of snacks and drinks.

The Oral Health team works by:

• supporting childcare settings to provide supervised tooth brushing where children brush their teeth once a day. If your child is in a childcare setting within the LEAP area, you may receive a consent form to take part. 
• providing oral health toothbrushing packs containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and a free-flowing cup are also provided to families via targeted LEAP services working with children under 1year.
• working with local dental practices to improve access to family-friendly dentists for young children, promote the dental check by 1 campaign and encourage fluoride varnish application (a naturally occurring mineral that is proven to prevent tooth decay). 

The overall aim is healthier teeth for LEAP children and families.